U.S. patent application number 13/190866 was filed with the patent office on 2012-02-02 for imaging apparatus and image capturing method.
Invention is credited to Tetsuya HASHIMOTO.
Application Number | 20120026362 13/190866 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45526355 |
Filed Date | 2012-02-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120026362 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
HASHIMOTO; Tetsuya |
February 2, 2012 |
IMAGING APPARATUS AND IMAGE CAPTURING METHOD
Abstract
An imaging apparatus that includes an image capturing unit that
captures image data, a memory that stores the image data and a
password for accessing the stored image data, an interface that
receives an input requesting access to the stored image data and an
input password, and a processor that compares the input password to
the stored password and allow access to the stored image data when
the input password matches the stored password, and deletes the
password and the image data when the input password does not match
the stored password.
Inventors: |
HASHIMOTO; Tetsuya; (Chiba,
JP) |
Family ID: |
45526355 |
Appl. No.: |
13/190866 |
Filed: |
July 26, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
348/231.3 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G11B 20/00666 20130101;
H04N 21/47 20130101; G11B 20/00152 20130101; H04N 5/232933
20180801; H04N 2101/00 20130101; G11B 20/00673 20130101; H04N 5/77
20130101; H04N 1/2112 20130101; H04N 2201/218 20130101; H04N 5/232
20130101; H04N 1/4413 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
348/231.3 |
International
Class: |
H04N 5/76 20060101
H04N005/76 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Aug 2, 2010 |
JP |
2010-173405 |
Claims
1. An imaging apparatus, comprising: an image capturing unit
configured to capture image data; a memory configured to store the
image data and a password for accessing the stored image data; an
interface configured to receive an input requesting access to the
stored image data and an input password; a processor configured to
compare the input password to the stored password and allow access
to the stored image data when the input password matches the stored
password, and delete the password and the image data when the input
password does not match the stored password.
2. The imaging apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a display
configured to display a password-deletion confirmation screen when
the input password does not match the stored password.
3. The imaging apparatus of claim 2, wherein the interface is
configured to receive an input requesting that the password be
deleted when the password-deletion confirmation screen is
displayed.
4. The imaging apparatus of claim 3, wherein the processor is
configured to delete the password and the image data upon receiving
the input requesting that the password be deleted.
5. The imaging apparatus of claim 1, wherein the interface is
configured to receive an input setting the imaging apparatus into
password-lock mode.
6. The imaging apparatus of claim 5, wherein the processor is
configured to delete only image files stored after the imaging
apparatus was set into password-lock mode when the password is
deleted.
7. The imaging apparatus of claim 5, wherein the processor is
configured to store a sequence number corresponding to an image
file that was last recorded before the imaging apparatus was set
into password-lock mode.
8. The imaging apparatus of claim 7, wherein the processor is
configured to delete only image files having a sequence number
greater than the stored sequence number when the password is
deleted.
9. The imaging apparatus of claim 1, wherein the interface is
configured to receive an input changing the password.
10. The imaging apparatus of claim 9, wherein the processor is
configured to delete only image files stored after the password was
changed when the password is deleted.
11. The imaging apparatus of claim 9, wherein the processor is
configured to store a sequence number corresponding to an image
file that was last recorded before the password was changed.
12. The imaging apparatus of claim 11, wherein the processor is
configured to delete only image files having a sequence number
greater than the stored sequence number when the password is
deleted.
13. An image processing method performed by an imaging apparatus,
the method comprising: capturing, by an image capturing unit of the
imaging apparatus, image data; storing, at a memory of the imaging
apparatus, the image data and a password for accessing the stored
image data; receiving, at an interface of the imaging apparatus, an
input requesting access to the stored image data and an input
password; comparing, by a processor of the imaging apparatus, the
input password to the stored password; allowing, by the processor,
access to the stored image data when the input password matches the
stored password; and deleting, by the processor, the password and
the image data when the input password does not match the stored
password.
14. The method of claim 13, further comprising: displaying, by a
display of the imaging apparatus, a password-deletion confirmation
screen when the input password does not match the stored
password.
15. The method of claim 14, further comprising: receiving, at the
interface, an input requesting that the password be deleted when
the password-deletion confirmation screen is displayed; and
deleting, by the processor, the password and the image data upon
receiving the input requesting that the password be deleted.
16. The method of claim 13, further comprising: receiving, at the
interface, an input setting the imaging apparatus into
password-lock mode.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein the deleting includes deleting
only image files stored after the imaging apparatus was set into
password-lock mode when the password is deleted.
18. The method of claim 13, further comprising: receiving, at the
interface, an input changing the password.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein the deleting includes deleting
only image files stored after the password was changed when the
password is deleted.
20. A non-transitory computer-readable medium including computer
program instructions, which when executed by an imaging apparatus,
cause the imaging apparatus to perform a method comprising:
capturing image data; storing the image data and a password for
accessing the stored image data; receiving an input requesting
access to the stored image data and an input password; comparing
the input password to the stored password; allowing access to the
stored image data when the input password matches the stored
password; and deleting the password and the image data when the
input password does not match the stored password.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority under 35
U.S.C. .sctn.119 to Japanese Patent Application No. 2010-173405,
filed Aug. 2, 2010, the entire contents of which is incorporated
herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] 1. Field of the Disclosure
[0003] The present disclosure relates to an imaging apparatus and
an image capturing method.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Digital cameras are typically configured to store captured
image files into a built-in memory, for example hard-disk of the
digital camera, or to an external memory, for example memory card
coupled to the digital camera. The stored image files may then be
accessed and played freely by a photographer, who is typically the
owner of the camera.
[0006] However, a person who is not the owner of the camera (i.e.,
a malicious user) is also able to operate the digital camera, and
access the memory and to freely play the stored image files. This
causes a problem because potentially confidential information may
be leaked to the malicious user.
[0007] Previous efforts have been made to prevent such malicious
access by password protecting the image files, authenticating a
user's identity before the user is permitted to access the stored
image files, or requiring a password to turn on the power of the
digital camera. These configurations can ensure security protection
and safety of captured image files.
[0008] According to the above mentioned configurations, however,
when a user forgets the password, the camera typically must be sent
to a customer support center in order to unlock the camera and
reset the password. Therefore, a user may be able to ensure
security and safety of captured image files, but the user can not
easily access the camera when the password is misplaced or
forgotten.
SUMMARY
[0009] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is
provided an image apparatus and image capturing method which can
ensure security protection and safety of captured image file, and
easily delete a password.
[0010] In particular, one embodiment of the present disclosure
provides an imaging apparatus that includes an image capturing unit
that captures image data, a memory that stores the image data and a
password for accessing the stored image data, an interface that
receives an input requesting access to the stored image data and an
input password, and a processor that compares the input password to
the stored password and allow access to the stored image data when
the input password matches the stored password, and deletes the
password and the image data when the input password does not match
the stored password.
[0011] Also, one embodiment of the present disclosure provides an
method performed by an imaging apparatus, the method including
capturing, by an image capturing unit of the imaging apparatus,
image data, storing, at a memory of the imaging apparatus, the
image data and a password for accessing the stored image data,
receiving, at an interface of the imaging apparatus, an input
requesting access to the stored image data and an input password,
comparing, by a processor of the imaging apparatus, the input
password to the stored password, allowing, by the processor, access
to the stored image data when the input password matches the stored
password, and deleting, by the processor, the password and the
image data when the input password does not match the stored
password.
[0012] Also, one embodiment of the present disclosure provides a
non-transitory computer-readable medium including computer program
instructions, which when executed by an imaging apparatus, cause
the imaging apparatus to perform a method comprising capturing
image data, storing the image data and a password for accessing the
stored image data, receiving an input requesting access to the
stored image data and an input password, comparing the input
password to the stored password, allowing access to the stored
image data when the input password matches the stored password, and
deleting the password and the image data when the input password
does not match the stored password.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIGS. 1A to 1C illustrate schematic diagrams showing the
appearance of a digital camera;
[0014] FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram showing the hardware
configuration of a digital camera;
[0015] FIG. 3 illustrates a diagram showing an example of a setup
menu screen of a digital camera;
[0016] FIG. 4 illustrates a diagram showing an example of a
password setting screen of a digital camera;
[0017] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the
operation of a digital camera in password-locked-mode;
[0018] FIG. 6 illustrates a diagram showing an example of a
password authentication screen of a digital camera;
[0019] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the other example of the
operation of a digital camera in password-locked-mode;
[0020] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the
password deletion of a digital camera in password-locked-mode of
the first embodiment;
[0021] FIG. 9 illustrates a diagram showing an example of a
password-deletion confirmation screen of a digital camera;
[0022] FIG. 10 illustrates a diagram showing the other example of a
setup menu screen of a digital camera;
[0023] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the
password deletion of a digital camera in password-locked-mode of
the second embodiment; and
[0024] FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the
password deletion of a digital camera in password-locked-mode of
the third embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0025] Hereinafter, an embodiment of an imaging apparatus and an
image capturing method according to the present disclosure will be
described with reference to the drawings.
[0026] FIGS. 1A to 1C illustrate external appearances of a digital
camera which is an example of an imaging apparatus. FIG. 1A
provides a plan view, FIG. 1B provides a front view and FIG. 1C
provides a back view.
[0027] Referring to FIG. 1A, a top face of the digital camera
includes a release shutter SW1, a mode dial SW2 and a sub liquid
crystal display 1 (sub-LCD).
[0028] Referring to FIG. 1B, a front face of the digital camera
includes a strobe light emitter 3, an optical finder 4, a ranging
unit 5, a remote control receiver 6 and a lens barrel unit 7. One
side face of the digital camera includes a lid 2 of a memory card
room and a battery room.
[0029] Referring to FIG. 1C, a back side of the digital camera
includes an eyepiece section of the optical finder 4, an auto-focus
(AF) light emitting diode 8 (AF LED), a strobe LED 9, an LCD 10, a
power switch 13, a zoom switch SW3 in a wide angle direction, a
zoom switch SW4 in a telephoto direction, a switch SW5 for setting
and releasing a self timer, a switch SW6 for playing, a switch SW7
for setting strobe light and up movement of a cursor, a switch SW8
for right movement of a cursor, a display switch SW9, a switch SW10
for macro and down movement of a cursor, a switch SW11 for
confirming an image and left movement of a cursor and an OK switch
SW12.
[0030] FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram showing the hardware
configuration of a digital camera which is an example of an imaging
apparatus.
[0031] Referring to FIG. 2, the lens barrel unit 7 includes a zoom
optical system 7-1 having a zoom lens 7-1a and a zoom motor 7-1b, a
focus optical system 7-2 having a focus lens 7-2a and a focus motor
7-2b, an aperture stop unit 7-3 having an aperture stop 7-3a and an
aperture stop motor 7-3b, and a mechanical shutter unit 7-4 having
a mechanical shutter 7-4a, a mechanical shutter motor 7-4b and a
motor driver 7-5. The zoom optical system 7-1, the focus optical
system 7-2, the aperture stop unit 7-3 and the mechanical shutter
unit 7-4 are driven by a zoom motor 7-1b, a focus motor 7-2b as a
focus lens moving section, an aperture stop motor 7-3b and a
mechanical shutter motor 7-4b, respectively. These zoom motor 7-1b,
the focus motor 7-2b, the aperture stop motor 7-3b and the
mechanical shutter motor 7-4b are driven by the motor driver
7-5.
[0032] Various operations (processes) of the digital camera are
controlled by a digital signal processor 104 (DSP) configured as an
IC (integrated circuit) or the like. The DSP 104 includes a CCD
(charge-coupled device) signal process first block 104-1, a CCD
signal process second block 104-2, a CPU (central processing unit)
block 104-3, a local SRAM (static random access memory) 104-4, an
USB (universal serial bus) block 104-5, a serial block 104-6, a
JPEG codec (CODEC) block 104-7, a resize (RESIZE) block 104-8, a TV
signal display block 104-9 and a memory card controller block
104-10. Each block is connected via a bus line.
[0033] The zoom lens 7-1a and the focus lens 7-2a of the lens
barrel unit 7 constitutes an imaging lens for focusing a subject
optical image on a imaging face of the CCD 101 which is an imaging
element. The CCD 101 converts the subject optical image into
electrical image signals, and outputs the electric signals to an
F/E-IC (front end IC) 102. The E/F-IC 102 includes a CDS
(correlation double sampling section) 102-1, an AGC (automatic gain
controller) 102-2, an A/D (analogue digital) converter 102-3 and a
TG (timing generator) 102-4. The E/F-IC 102 performs a
predetermined process to each image signal, converts the image
signals into digital signals, and outputs the digital signals to
the CCD signal process first block 104-1 of the DSP 104. These
signal processing operations are controlled via the TG 102-4 by
VD-HD (vertical driving and horizontal driving) signals output from
the CCD signal process first block 104-1 of the DSP 104.
[0034] The lens barrel unit 7 is removably attached to the body of
the digital camera and lens barrel units of various zoom factor or
CCD-size are available. The motor driver 7-5 is controlled by the
CPU block 104-3 of the DSP 104 based on the operation input of the
remote control receiver 6 or the operation unit (SW1 to SW12).
[0035] The external portion of the DSP 104 includes a SDRAM
(synchronous random access memory) 103 which stores RAW-RGB image
data, YUV image data and JPEG image data, a RAM 107, an internal
memory 120 and a ROM 108 in which control programs are stored.
These are connected to the DSP 104 via bus lines.
[0036] The ROM 108 includes control programs or control parameters
written in program codes readable and executable by the CPU block
104-3. When the digital camera is powered on, the programs are
loaded into the RAM 107 and components of the digital camera are
controlled by the CPU block 104-3 according to the programs.
Furthermore, the data concerning the programs are temporarily
stored in the RAM 107 or local SRAM 104-4. If a rewritable flash
ROM is used in place of the ROM 108, the digital camera can easily
be upgraded by updating or modifying existing programs or
installing new programs.
The SDRAM 103 temporarily stores image data when image data is
processed by the DSP 104. The stored image data is, for example,
RAW-RGB image data taken from the CCD 101 via the E/F-IC 102 that
performs white balance and gamma processing by the CCD signal
process first block 104-1, YUV image data which was processed
transformation of brightness data or color difference by the CCD
signal process second block 104-2 and JPEG image data which was
compressed in the JPEG file by the JPEG codec block 104-7.
[0037] A memory card socket 121 may be configured to be attached to
a detachable memory card, a LAN card, a wireless LAN card and/or a
Bluetooth card.
[0038] The internal memory 120 can store captured image files even
if the memory card socket 121 is not attached to a memory card.
[0039] In addition, the internal memory 120 can store a variety of
information, for example a strobe mode setting, image quality
setting and imaging size setting. If the digital camera is powered
off, the internal memory 120 can load the information on the RAM
107 when the digital camera is powered on again.
[0040] An LCD driver 117 is a circuit which drives the LCD 10, and
transforms video signals output by the TV signal display block
104-9 into signals for displaying images on the LCD 10.
[0041] The LCD 10 allows a user to monitor the state of a subject
before photographing, and displays image files stored in the memory
card or the internal memory 120.
[0042] A video AMP (amplifier) 118 amplifies the video signals
output by the TV signal display block 104-9.
[0043] A video jack 119 is a jack which connects to an external
display, for example a TV (television).
[0044] A USB connector 122 is a connector which connects to an
external device via a USB connection, for example a PC (personal
computer).
[0045] A serial driver circuit 123-1 is a circuit that transforms a
voltage of signals output by the serial block 104-6 to communicate
with the external device in a serial communication method.
[0046] An RS-232C connector 123-2 is a connector that communicates
with an external device in a serial communication method, for
example a PC (personal computer).
[0047] A sub-CPU 109 is a CPU having ROM and RAM on one-chip
microcomputer, which outputs the output signals of the operation
unit (SW1 to SW12) or the remote control receiver 6, as operation
information of a user, to the CPU block 104-3, transforms the state
of the digital camera output by the CPU block 104-3 to a control
signals of the sub-LCD 1, the AF LED 8 and the strobe LED 9, and
outputs the control signals therein.
[0048] The sub-LCD 1 is a display that displays the number of
photographs taken. A LCD driver 111 drives the sub-LCD 1 using
signals output from the sub-CPU 109.
[0049] The AF LED 8 is a LED that displays a focusing state. The
strobe LED 9 is an LED that displays the charging state of the
strobe. Also, the AF LED 8 and strobe LED 9 can be adapted to other
uses, for example to display an indication that the memory card is
being accessed.
[0050] The operation unit (SW1 to SW12) includes members to be
operated by a user. The remote control receiver 6 receives the
signals of a remote control operated by a user.
[0051] A voice recording unit 115 includes a microphone 115-3, a
microphone amplifier 115-2, and a voice recording circuit
115-1.
[0052] A voice reproduction unit 116 includes a voice reproduction
circuit 116-1 that transforms recorded voice signals into signals
configured to be output by a speaker, an audio amplifier 116-2 that
amplifies the transformed voice signals, and a speaker 116-3 that
outputs the amplified voice signals.
[0053] A electron leveling sensor 130 detects the slope-angle of
horizontal direction of the digital camera.
The First Embodiment
[0054] The specific example of a password-lock-mode of the digital
camera will hereinafter be described. Here, the password-lock-mode
is mode that prevents an image file from being played without
inputting a password. Also, in the first, second and third
embodiments, the recording medium is, for example, the internal
memory 120 included in the digital camera. Furthermore, in the
recording medium, the reflected light of a subject is input to the
CCD 101 via the lens barrel unit 7, converted to photoelectric
image data, output as an image data, and stored as an image file.
The image file may then be displayed on the LCD 10.
[0055] Next, setting a password of the digital camera will be
described.
[0056] FIG. 3 shows an example of a setup menu screen of a digital
camera, which is an example of an imaging apparatus. When a user
operates the operation unit (SW1 to SW12) of the digital camera,
the setup menu is displayed. If the menu item corresponding to a
password setting or modification is selected, a password setting
screen is displayed.
[0057] FIG. 4 illustrates a diagram showing an example of the
password setting screen. The user operates the operation unit (SW1
to SW12) of the digital camera to enter information on the password
setting screen to set or modify a password. The password is stored
in the internal memory 120 of the digital camera.
[0058] Next, the operation of a digital camera in
password-locked-mode will be described.
[0059] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the
operation of a digital camera in password-locked-mode. FIG. 6 shows
an example of a password authentication screen of the digital
camera.
[0060] Hereinafter, it will be described in case the
password-locked-mode is set.
[0061] When the digital camera is powered on in playback-mode
(S501), the password authentication screen of the digital camera is
displayed. A user operates the operation unit (SW1 to SW12) while
the password authentication screen is displayed to input a password
(S502). The CPU block 104-3 determines whether the password entry
is correct (S503), and an image file may be played if the password
entry is correct (S504). In contrast, the LCD 10 displays no image
file for playing if the password entry is not correct (S505).
[0062] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the other example of the
operation of a digital camera in password-locked-mode. When the
digital camera is powered on in photographing-mode (S701), the
digital camera starts up in photographing-mode (S702). When the
digital camera is switched to playback-mode (S703), the password
authentication screen is displayed. The following steps (S704 to
S707) are then the same as the steps (S502 to S505) performed
during playback-mode. Also, when the digital camera is powered on
in photographing-mode, password authentication is not necessary
until the mode of the digital camera is switched to playback-mode.
Therefore, a user can photograph even if the digital camera starts
up in password-lock-mode without having to enter a password.
[0063] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of password
deletion in password-locked-mode. When the digital camera is
powered on in playback-mode (S801), the password authentication
screen of the digital camera is displayed. The user may then
operate the operation unit (SW1 to SW12) to input a password on the
password authentication screen (S802). The CPU block 104-3
determines whether the password entry is correct (S803). An image
file may then be viewed if the password entry is correct (S804). In
contrast, the LCD 10 displays the password-deletion confirmation
screen (S806) for deleting the password and data (image files) of
the internal memory 120 if the password entry is not correct and a
delete button is pressed (S805). FIG. 9 shows an example of a
password-deletion confirmation screen. Here, if a user selects
`YES` on the password-deletion confirmation screen, the password
and all data (image files) of the internal memory 120 are deleted
(S807).
[0064] According to the above first embodiment of
password-locked-mode, when a user forgets the password and the
password is deleted by the user, the data (image files) of the
internal memory 120 can also be deleted with the deletion of
password. Therefore, playing of the image files may be prevented
without the input of a password, and the password is also deleted
or reset with the elimination of image files.
The Second Embodiment
[0065] FIG. 10 illustrates a diagram showing another example of a
setup menu screen of a digital camera. The setup menu screen, shown
in FIG. 10, is displayed upon receiving an input at the operation
unit (SW1 to SW12) of the digital camera. If a user selects the
`camera lock setting` menu item, the LCD 10 displays options to
turn the internal-memory-lock on or off. If the user selects
`internal-memory-lock is on`, the digital camera goes into
password-lock-mode. At this time, a sequence number corresponding
to the last captured image file before the digital camera was set
into password-lock mode is stored in the internal memory 120, in
other words, a sequence number corresponding to the last captured
photograph prior to the digital camera being set into password-lock
mode is stored in the internal memory 120.
[0066] For example, the sequence number of the most recent image
file from the image files stored in the internal memory 120 is
stored in the internal memory 120. When the digital camera goes
into password-lock-mode, for example, the user may have already
taken 10 photographs. In this case, the sequence number of 10 is
stored in the internal memory 120. Thus, the sequence number may
correspond to the order in which images have been captured and
stored in memory, and may also correspond to the order in which the
image files are played back by a user.
[0067] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the
password deletion of a digital camera in password-locked-mode
according to the second embodiment. When the digital camera is
powered on in playback-mode (S1101), the password authentication
screen of the digital camera is displayed. The user may then
operate the operation unit (SW1 to SW12) of the digital camera to
input a password on the password authentication screen (S1102). The
CPU block 104-3 determines whether the password entry is correct
(S1103). If the password is correct, an image file may be played
(S1104). If the password is not correct and a delete button is
pressed (S1105), the LCD 10 displays the password-deletion
confirmation screen (S1106), shown in FIG. 9, which deletes
password and data of the internal memory 120. If a user selects
`YES` on the password-deletion confirmation screen, the image files
stored in the internal memory 120 from when the digital camera was
set to password-lock-mode to when the delete button was pressed are
deleted, and the password is deleted (S1107). Otherwise stated,
image files that were stored after the digital camera was set to
password password-lock mode are deleted along with the
password.
[0068] According to the second embodiment of password-locked-mode,
when a user forgets the password, if the user deletes password,
image files stored in the internal memory 120, which were
photographed after the digital camera was set to password-lock-mode
can also be deleted with the elimination of password. Therefore,
image files stored in the internal memory 120 can be prevented from
being played without inputting password, and the password can be
deleted or reset the deletion of image files which were
photographed after the digital camera was set to
password-lock-mod.
The Third Embodiment
[0069] The setup menu screen, shown in FIG. 10, is displayed upon
receiving an input at the operation unit (SW1 to SW12) of the
digital camera. If a user selects the `camera lock setting` menu
item, the LCD 10 displays options for turning the
internal-memory-lock on or off. If the user selects
`internal-memory-lock is on`, the digital camera is set to
password-lock-mode. At this time, the sequence number corresponding
to the last captured image file before the digital camera was set
into password-lock mode is stored in the internal memory 120, in
other words, a sequence number corresponding to the last captured
photograph prior to the digital camera being set into password-lock
mode is stored in the internal memory 120.
[0070] For example, the sequence number of the most recent image
file from the image files stored in the internal memory 120, in is
stored in the internal memory 120. When the digital camera goes
into password-lock-mode, for example, the user may have already
taken 10 photographs. In this case, the sequence number of 10 is
stored in the internal memory 120. In other words, the sequence
number corresponds to the order in which images have been captured
and stored in memory, and may also correspond to the order in which
the image files are played back by a user.
[0071] Upon receiving an input at the operation unit (SW1 to SW12)
of the digital camera, the setup menu screen, shown in FIG. 3, is
displayed. If the `password setting or change` menu item is
selected, the password setting screen, shown in FIG. 4, is
displayed. When the user operates the operation unit (SW1 to SW12)
of the digital camera on the password setting screen, a current
password can be changed. The password is stored in the internal
memory 120, and is held even if the digital camera is powered off.
At this time, the sequence number corresponding to the last
captured image file before the password was changed is stored in
the internal memory 120, in other words, a sequence number
corresponding to the last captured photograph prior to changing the
password is stored in the internal memory 120.
[0072] When the password is changed, for example, the user may have
already taken 20 photographs. In this case, the sequence number of
20 is stored in the internal memory 120, along with the already
stored sequence number of 10 corresponding to last image file
stored before the digital camera was set into
password-lock-mode.
[0073] FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the
password deletion of a digital camera in password-locked-mode of
the third embodiment. When the digital camera is powered on in
playback-mode (S1201), the password authentication screen of the
digital camera is displayed. A user may then operate the operation
unit (SW1 to SW12) of the digital camera to input a password to the
password authentication screen (S1202). The CPU block 104-3
determines whether the password entry is correct (S1203). If the
entered password is correct, an image file may be played (S1204).
In contrast, if the entered password is not correct and a delete
button is pressed (S1205), the LCD 10 displays the
password-deletion confirmation screen (S1206), shown in FIG. 9. If
a user selects `YES` on the password-deletion confirmation screen,
the image files stored in the internal memory 120 from when the
password was changed to when the delete button was pressed are
deleted along with the password (S1207). For example, image files
having a sequence number greater than the number stored in the
internal memory 120 when the password was changed are deleted along
with the password.
[0074] For example, when the password was changed, the user may
have already taken 20 photographs. In this case, the sequence
number of 20 is stored in the internal memory 120. Therefore, the
image files having a sequence number greater than or equal to 21
are deleted along with the password.
[0075] According to the above third embodiment of
password-locked-mode, when a user forgets and deletes the password,
image files of the internal memory 120 which were photographed
after a current password was changed can also be deleted with the
deletion of password. Therefore, playing of the image file stored
to the internal memory 120 can be prevented without a correct
password, and the password may be deleted or reset with the
elimination of image files which were photographed after a current
password was changed.
[0076] The above mentioned, the present disclosure provides an
image apparatus and image capturing method which can ensure
security protection and safety of captured image file, and delete
password easily.
[0077] Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been
described above, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. It
should be appreciated that variations may be made in the
embodiments described by persons skilled in the art without
departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
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